Vehicle entertainment system with motorized hinge

ABSTRACT

A video system for selective mounting within a cradle secured to a ceiling of an automobile includes a video housing in which a video monitor and a video source are mounted and a base secured to the video housing in a manner that permits rotation of the video housing. The video housing includes a mounting bracket and the base includes a mounting bracket for use in pivotally coupling the video housing to the base. A motorized first hinge connects the base to the video housing for facilitating pivotal movement between the video housing and the base between a use position and a storage position, the first hinge includes a pivot pin having a first end and a second end and extends between, and is coupled to, the mounting bracket of the video housing and the mounting bracket of the base, the second end of the pivot pin is fixedly coupled to the mounting bracket of the base. The drive motor assembly is mounted to the video housing. The drive motor assembly includes a drive shaft having a distal end secured to a distal tip at the first end of the pivot pin permitting rotational motion to be imparted by the drive motor assembly to be transfer to the video housing.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/453,264, filed Jun. 15, 2006, entitled “VehicleEntertainment System with Flush Supporting Cradle”, which is currentlypending, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 11/177,405, filed Jul. 11, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,604,273entitled “Vehicle Entertainment System” and which claims the benefit ofU.S. Provision Application Ser. No. 60/690,874, filed Jun. 16, 2005,entitled “Vehicle Entertainment System”; and U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/453,264 claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 60/732,656, filed Nov. 3, 2005, entitled “VehicleEntertainment System”, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.60/778,362, filed Mar. 3, 2006, entitled “Vehicle Entertainment System”.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to mobile entertainment systems. Moreparticularly, the invention relates to a motorized hinge assembly for anoverhead mobile entertainment system.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Entertainment systems for automobiles are well known. As such, manyadvances have been made in the development of entertainment systems thatmake the otherwise tedious task of riding in an automobile morebearable. In addition to the development of overhead systems pioneeredby the present inventor, systems that mount at various locations withinan automobile have also been developed.

These entertainment systems allow multiple individuals to view a varietyof different video sources within the same vehicle. However, and asthose skilled in the art will certainly appreciate, it is desirable toprovide added versatility to these entertainment systems. The presentinvention attempts to accomplish this by providing a system whereby thevideo system may be selectively removed from a mounting structure withinan automobile and used at other locations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a videosystem for selective mounting within a cradle secured to a ceiling of anautomobile. The video system includes a video housing in which a videomonitor and a video source are mounted and a base secured to the videohousing in a manner that permits rotation of the video housing. Thevideo housing includes a mounting bracket and the base includes amounting bracket for use in pivotally coupling the video housing to thebase. A motorized first hinge connects the base to the video housing forfacilitating pivotal movement between the video housing and the basebetween a use position and a storage position, the first hinge includesa pivot pin having a first end and a second end and extends between, andis coupled to, the mounting bracket of the video housing and themounting bracket of the base, the second end of the pivot pin is fixedlycoupled to the mounting bracket of the base. The drive motor assembly ismounted to the video housing. The drive motor assembly includes a driveshaft having a distal end secured to a distal tip at the first end ofthe pivot pin permitting rotational motion to be imparted by the drivemotor assembly to be transfer to the video housing.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a video systemwherein the pivot pin is fixedly coupled to the mounting bracket of thebase via a break-away clutch assembly.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a video systemwherein the break-away clutch assembly includes a base clutch memberfixedly connected to the mounting bracket of the base and a monitorclutch member fixedly connected to the pivot pin and the drive shaft ofthe motor.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a videosystem wherein the base clutch member is fixedly connected to themounting bracket of the base by a projection that seats within anaperture formed in the mounting bracket, such that when the projectionis seated with the aperture the base clutch member is prevented fromrotation relative to the mounting bracket and the base.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a video systemwherein the base clutch member also includes a circular bearing apertureshaped and dimensioned for the passage of the pivot pin therethrough ina manner allowing for free rotation of the pivot pin relative thereto.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a video systemwherein the monitor clutch member, which is selectively, fixedlyconnected to the base clutch member, includes an aperture shape anddimensioned for passage of the pivot pin therethrough in a manner whichlocks the monitor clutch member to the pivot pin for rotation therewith.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a videosystem wherein the drive motor assembly includes a housing in which amotor is supported for moving the video housing relative to the base,the motor includes the drive shaft.

Other objects, advantages and salient features of the invention willbecome apparent from the following detailed description, which taken inconjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses a preferred, butnon-limiting, embodiment of the subject invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 show a video system employing an attachment mechanismfor selective attachment to the ceiling of a vehicle.

FIG. 4 is a front plan view of the video system in accordance with analternate embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a detailed exploded view of the hinge structure employed inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a detailed view of the hinge structure utilized in accordancewith the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of the hinge structure utilized inaccordance with the present invention.

FIGS. 8A and 8B respectively show the video system in its use positionand its storage position.

FIG. 9 is an embodiment employing first and second video systems inaccordance with the present invention.

FIGS. 10 and 11 are perspective views of the video system with profilemembers secured thereto.

FIG. 12 shows various video monitors of different sizes which may beselectively used in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 13 shows a rear view of the video system in accordance with thepresent invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein.It should be understood, however, that the disclosed embodiments aremerely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in variousforms. Therefore, the details disclosed herein are not to be interpretedas limiting, but merely as the basis for the claims and as a basis forteaching one skilled in the art how to make and/or use the invention.

With reference to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, and in accordance with a firstembodiment of the present invention, an automobile entertainment system110 is disclosed. The automobile entertainment system 110 is composed ofa series of video and audio components integrated within an automobile111. As those skilled in the art will certainly appreciate, the variousembodiments of the present entertainment system are disclosed hereinwith reference to their use within an automobile. However, theentertainment system could certainly be used in other vehicles, forexample, boats or planes, without departing from the spirit of thepresent invention.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, a video system 112 and mounting structureare disclosed. The video system 112 is adapted for selective mountingwithin the ceiling 113 of an automobile 111. It is further contemplatedthose skilled in the art will appreciate the concepts underlying thepresent invention provide for the possibility of selectively mountingthe video system within a variety of locations within an automobile, forexample, the dashboard of an automobile.

The video system 112 is detachably mounted within a cradle 138 securedto the ceiling 113 of an automobile 111. The video system 112 generallyincludes a video monitor 116 for presenting media content and a videosource 120 integrated therewith.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, thevideo source is a DVD player coupled to the video monitor 116 for thetransmission of video content thereto. The DVD player, or other videosource 120, is integrated within the same video housing 118 as the videomonitor 116. In addition to, or in place of, video source 120 it is alsocontemplated a hard drive video source 123 may be integrated with thevideo monitor 116. The hard drive 123 includes inputs for receivingvideo content and outputs for transmitting video content to the videomonitor 116, both of which are well known to those skilled in the art.However, and as those skilled in the art will certainly appreciate, thevideo source may take a variety of other forms (for example, universalmedia disk) without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

The video monitor 116, DVD player 120, hard drive 123 and associatedcontrol components are mounted within the video housing 118. Inaccordance with a preferred embodiment, the video monitor 116 is a TFTLCD screen. However, it is contemplated other monitor constructions, forexample, plasma, Ultra High Definition VGA, touch screen VGA, organicLED, fabric based monitors (e.g., flexible TFT) etc., may be usedwithout departing from the spirit of the present invention.

With regard to the DVD player 120, it is integrally molded within thevideo housing 118 and positioned for insertion of the DVDs behind thevideo monitor 116. By mounting the DVD player 120 in this way, a stablestructure is developed that is well adapted for the automobileenvironment. While the DVD player is disclosed as being a slot-loadeddesign with insertion behind the video monitor, the DVD player couldtake a variety of other forms without departing from the spirit of thepresent invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate the variousDVD designs that may be employed, for example, many can be seen in U.S.patent application Ser. No. 11/177,405, which is incorporated herein byreference.

Referring to FIG. 4, an alternate modular video system 112′ isdisclosed. In accordance with this system, the various components arenot hardwired but are incorporated within the video system 112′ viainterchangeable modules. For example, the video system 112′ is providedwith a removable and interchangeable module 120 a′ in which a hard diskdrive, flash memory drive, DVD player/recorder, CD player/recorder,BluRay player/recorder, and an auxiliary battery may be incorporated. Asthose skilled in the art will certainly appreciate, other slot typemodules are utilized within the electronics industry and these may alsobe incorporated into the video system 112′. For example, a slot for aPCMCIA Card and/or Ie:Cell.Air card 120 b′ for downloading materials maybe incorporated. Similarly, memory cards 120 c′ and USB cards 120 d′ maybe incorporated into the video system 112′.

The video system 112 is detachably mounted within a cradle 138 formed inor secured to the ceiling 113 of the automobile 111. The design of thevideo system 112 and cradle 138 allows for the creation of multiplecradles 138 within an automobile, permitting selective positioning ofthe video system 112 at the various cradle locations within theautomobile 111.

More particularly, the base 164 of the video system 112 is mounted to acradle 138 formed within the ceiling 113 of the automobile 111 in amanner that permits rotation of the video housing 118 about multipleaxes. The base 164 includes a first hinge 166 that facilitates rotationof the video housing 118 about an axis substantially parallel to theceiling 113 of the automobile 111 for movement from its upward storageposition (see, for example, FIG. 8B) to a downward use position (see,for example, FIG. 8A) for viewing thereof.

The base 164 further includes a second hinge 168 that permits rotationof the video housing 118 about an axis substantially perpendicular tothe axis of the first hinge 166. As such, the second hinge 168 allowsfor rotation of the video housing 118 in a manner that facilitatesviewing of the video monitor 116 from opposite sides of the automobile111. The video system 112 is, therefore, designed for rotation aboutmultiple axes and may be freely rotated to improve viewing regardless ofwhere the video system 112 is being used.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment, and with reference to FIGS. 5to 7, the first hinge 166 is motorized to provide for controlledmovement between its opened orientation for viewing of the video monitor116 by those sitting in the backseats of the automobile and a closedorientation for storage of the video monitor 116 such that it faces theheadliner of the automobile 111. More particularly, first hinge 166includes a pivot pin 230 connecting the video housing 118 to the base164. A secondary pivot pin 231 is also provided on the opposite side forconnecting the housing 118 to the base 164. More particularly, the pivotpin 230 includes a first end 232 and a second end 234 and is shaped anddimensioned to extend between a mounting bracket 236 of the videohousing 118 at a first end 232 thereof and a mounting bracket 238 of thebase 164 at second end 234 thereof. The pivot pin 230 is fixedly coupled(that is, coupled in a manner substantially preventing rotationalmovement relative thereto) to the mounting bracket 238 of the base 164via a break-away clutch assembly 240 as discussed below in greaterdetail. In this way, and as discussed below in greater detail, thesecond end 234 of the pivot pin 230 is held in a static positionrelative to the base 164 for preventing relative rotation between thebase 164 and the pivot pin 230 such that rotation of the video housing118 relative to the pivot pin 230, and ultimately the base 164, ispermitted in a manner allowing for movement of the video housing 118between its use position and its storage position.

As briefly mentioned above, the first end 232 of the pivot pin 230 issecured to the video housing 418. More particularly, the video housing118 is provided with a mounting bracket 236 through which the first end232 of the pivot pin 230 passes for supporting and mounting the videohousing 118 in a pivoting relationship with the base 164. The mountingbracket 236 is provided with a bearing aperture 242 shaped anddimensioned to receive the first end 232 of the pivot pin 230 in amanner permitting rotation of the mounting bracket 236 relative to thepivot pin 230.

A drive motor assembly 244 is mounted within the video housing 118. Thedrive motor assembly 244 includes a housing 246 in which a motor 248 issupported for moving the video housing 118 relative to the base 164. Themotor 248 includes a drive shaft 250 having a distal end 252. The distalend 252 of the drive shaft 250 is secured to the distal tip 254 at thefirst end 232 of the pivot pin 230. In this way, rotational motionimparted by the drive motor assembly 244 is transfer to the videohousing 118. Because the pivot pin 230 is fixedly connected to the base164 at the second end 234 thereof, rotationally connected to the videohousing 118, and the motor 248 is fixedly connected to the video housing118, rotation of the drive shaft 250 will cause rotational motion of thevideo housing 118 relative to the base 164. When this rotationalmovement is transmitted by the driver motor assembly 244 in oppositedirections, the video housing 118 is moved between its storage positionand its use position.

In the event inadvertent and/or undesirable pressure is applied to themonitor housing that would otherwise damage the video system, abreak-away clutch assembly 240 is provided to allow for rotation betweenthe base 164 and the video housing 118. As briefly discussed above, thebreak-away clutch assembly 240 includes a base clutch member 256 fixedlyconnected to the mounting bracket 238 of the base 164 and monitor clutchmember 258 fixedly connected to the pivot pin 230 and the drive shaft250 of the motor 248. The base clutch member 256 is fixedly connected tothe mounting bracket 238 of the base 164 by a square projection 262 thatseats within a square aperture 264 formed in the mounting bracket 238.As such, when the square projection 262 is seated with the squareaperture 264, the base clutch member 256 is prevented from rotationrelative to the mounting bracket 238 and the base 164. The base clutchmember 256 also includes a circular bearing aperture 266 shaped anddimensioned for the passage of the pivot pin 230 therethrough in amanner allowing for free rotation of the pivot pin 230 relative thereto.

The monitor clutch member 258, which is selectively, fixedly connectedto the base clutch member 256 in a manner discussed below in greaterdetail, includes a square shaped aperture 268 shape and dimensioned forpassage of the pivot pin 230 therethrough in a manner which locks themonitor clutch member 258 to the pivot pin 230 for rotation therewith.In this way, and when the video system 112 is operating in its normalmanner via the drive motor assembly 244, the second end of the pivot pin230 is substantially fixed to the mounting bracket 238 of the base 164in a manner allowing for controlled opening and closing of the videohousing 118 as discussed above.

The provision of selective, fixed coupling between the base clutchmember 256 and the monitor clutch member 258 is achieved because thebase clutch member 256 and the monitor clutch member 258 includerespective facing surfaces 272, 274 with mating engagement members 276,278. The engagement members 276, 278 are shaped and dimensioned tosubstantially prevent rotation of the base clutch member 256 relative tothe monitor clutch member 258 will permitting relative motion upon theapplication of the threshold force as described below in great detail.The facing surfaces 272, 274 of the base clutch member 256 and monitorclutch member 258 are biased in a facing relation by a spring 277 whichacts upon an outer surface 280 of the monitor clutch member 258 forcingthe facing surface 274 of the monitor clutch member 258 into engagementwith the facing surface 272 of the base clutch member 256.

As a result, and as discussed above, during normal operation, therotation of the motor 248 and ultimately the drive shaft 250 will causethe video housing 118 to rotate relative to the base 164 because thepivot pin 230 is fixedly secured to the base 164 via the interaction ofthe pivot pin with the monitor clutch member 258 that is held in a fixedrelationship with the mounting bracket 238 of the base 164 via thespring 277 biasing the facing surfaces 272, 274 of the base clutchmember 256 and the monitor clutch member 258 into engagement with theengagement members 276, 278 thereof preventing the monitor clutch member258 from rotation relative to the base clutch member 256. However, whenaccidental pressure is applied to the video housing 148, the pressure istransmitted along the pivot pin 230 and to the monitor clutch member 258causing the facing surface 274 of the monitor clutch member 258 to moveout of engagement with the base clutch member 256 and permitting freemovement of the video housing 118 relative to the base 164. Once theaccidentally applied pressure is removed, on may quickly and easilyplace the video system 112 back into use by rotating the video housing118 until the engagement members 176, 178 of the base clutch member 256and the monitor clutch member 258 seat once again in a matingrelationship with the facing surfaces 272, 274 of the respective baseclutch member 256 and monitor clutch member 258 in a fixed relationship.

The base 164 further includes a projecting attachment member 170permitting selective coupling of the video system 112 within theautomobile 111. The attachment member 170 includes a fastening mechanism171 that permits secure and convenient attachment/removal of the videosystem 112 from the cradle 138. More particularly, and with reference toFIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the base 164 includes first and second projectingattachment members 170 a, 170 b shaped and dimensioned to engagerespective first and second apertures 176 a, 176 b formed in the cradle138. The first and second projecting attachment members 170 a, 170 beach include an upwardly extending post 172 a, 172 b with a resilientspring latch 174 a, 174 b formed thereon. As will be discussed below ingreater detail, the spring latches 174 a, 174 b are actuated to controlpassage through the respective first and second apertures 176 a, 176 bduring installation and removal.

As those skilled in the art will certainly appreciate, the first andsecond projecting attachment members 170 a, 170 b will only providelimited support. As such, the video system 112 is provided witheccentric shaped first and second locking members 178 a, 178 b and thecradle 138 is similarly provided with eccentric shaped first and secondlocking apertures 180 a, 180 b. The first and second locking members 178a, 178 b are shaped to pass through respective first and second lockingapertures 180 a, 180 b formed in the cradle when the shapes of the firstand second locking members 178 a, 178 b and the first and second lockingapertures 180 a, 180 b align. Once the first and second locking members178 a, 178 b are passed through the first and second locking apertures180 a, 180 b, the first and second locking members 178 a, 178 b arerotated such that the shape of the first and second locking members 178a, 178 b no longer align with the first and second locking apertures 180a, 180 b, and the video system 112 is thereby locked relative to thecradle 138.

As with the prior embodiment, and referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, theattachment mechanism is further enhanced with first and second safetybuttons 182 a, 182 b associated with the first and second projectingattachment members 170 a, 170 b. The first and second safety buttons 182a, 182 b respectively control actuation of the spring latches 174 a, 174b extending from the projecting attachment members 170 a, 170 b so thatthe video system 112 may not be removed until the respective safetybuttons 182 a, 182 b are simultaneously actuated. In particular, thefirst and second safety buttons 182 a, 182 b cause controlled expansionand/or contraction of the spring latches 174 a, 174 b to permit orrestrict passage of the spring latches 174 a, 174 b through the firstand second apertures 176 a, 176 b. In accordance with a preferredembodiment, the safety buttons 182 a, 182 b control expansion and/orcontraction of the spring latches 174 a, 174 b by selectively drawingthe spring latches 174 a, 174 b inward in a manner making them narrower,and thereby allowing for passage through the first and second apertures176 a, 176 b. When the safety buttons 182 a, 182 b are not actuated thespring latches 174 a, 174 b extend outwardly in a manner preventingpassage of the spring latches 174 a, 174 b through the first and secondapertures 176 a, 176 b. Although a preferred technique is disclosedherein, other techniques could certainly be employed without departingfrom the spirit of the present invention.

In accordance with yet a further embodiment of the present invention,and with reference to FIG. 1, third and fourth safety buttons 184 a, 184b are associated with the first and second locking members 178 a, 178 band prevent rotation of the first and second locking members 178 a, 178b until the first and second safety buttons 184 a, 184 b aresimultaneously actuated. This embodiment also includes a tensioningmechanism 212 with a handle friction plate 212 a and handle 212 b.Although the various embodiments for the safety buttons are shown in asingle figure, those skilled in the art will appreciate they may be usedtogether or separately without departing from the spirit of the presentinvention.

The cradle 138 utilized in accordance with a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention includes quick release electrical connections 142 forthe audio input 122, audio output 124, video input 126, video output 128and power supply 130 (although one embodiment contemplates a systemwhich connects only to a power supply). The video system 112, andparticularly, the base 164 of the video system 112, includes matingelectrical connections 144 for transmitting electricity and A/V signalsbetween the cradle 138 and the video system 112. In particular, when thevideo system 112 is mounted upon the cradle 138, the respectiveelectrical connections 142, 144 mate to provide for the transmission ofpower and A/V signals between the video system 112 and the cradle 138.As those skilled in the art will certainly appreciate, other readilyremovable electrical connections for other purposes may also besupplied.

The usefulness of the present embodiment is enhanced by the fact thecradle 138 is substantially recessed within the ceiling 113 of theautomobile 111. More particularly, each cradle 138 installed with anautomobile 111 is positioned such that the face plate 192 issubstantially flush with the headliner 194, or other automobile surface,directly adjacent thereto. With this in mind, the cradle 138 isconstructed with a mounting plate 196 directly secured to the ceiling113 of the automobile 111 and a ceiling docking port 198 securedthereto. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the face place 192is formed as part of the ceiling docking port 198. The ceiling dockingport 198 includes the electrical and mechanical components discussedabove which allow for the direct attachment of the video system 112thereto.

More particularly, and as will be discussed below in greater detail, thecradle is preferably secured to a lateral beam running along the roof ofthe automobile. With this in mind, the orientation of the fasteningmechanism components is critical to the operation and installation ofthe present video system. More particularly, the base 164 of the videosystem includes first and second projecting attachment members 170 a,170 b shaped and dimensioned to engage respective first and secondapertures 176 a, 176 b formed in the cradle 138. The base 164 of thevideo system 112 also includes eccentric shaped first and second lockingmembers 178 a, 178 b and the cradle 138 is similarly provided witheccentric shaped first and second locking apertures 180 a, 180 b.Between the respective attachment members, locking members and aperturesare electrical connections, which are discussed below in greater detail,linking the video system to the cradle (and the remainder of theautomobile).

The spacing of the various fastening components relative to theelectrical connections 142, 144 is critical to placement of the cradle138, and ultimately the video system 112, along the beams, for example,the B-pillar 260 (see FIG. 9), formed in the roof of an automobile. Withthis in mind, the inner edge 181 a, 181 b, 179 a, 179 b of the outermost fastening component, for example, the respective inner edges 181 a,181 b of the locking apertures 180 a, 180 b or the respective inneredges 179 a, 179 b of the locking members 178 a, 178 b, is preferablyapproximately ⅛ inch to approximately 7 inches from the respective outeredge 143 a, 143 b, 145 a, 145 b of the electrical connection 142, 144,and more preferably approximately 2 inches to approximately 4 inchesfrom the outer edge 143 a, 143 b, 145 a, 145 b of the electricalconnection 142, 144. It should be understand these distances are fromadjacent fastening components to the outer edge of the electricalcomponents. As such, and more particularly in accordance with apreferred embodiment, the respective inner edges 181 a, 181 b of thefirst and second locking apertures 180 a, 180 b are preferablyapproximately ⅛ inch to approximately 7 inches from the respective firstand second outer edges 143 a, 143 b of the electrical connections 142,and more preferably approximately 2 inches to approximately 4 inchesfrom the respective first and second outer edges 143 a, 143 b of theelectrical connections 142. Similarly, the respective inner edges 179 a,179 b of the locking members 178 a, 178 b are preferably approximately ⅛inch to approximately 7 inches from the respective first and secondouter edges 145 a, 145 b of the electrical connection 144, and morepreferably approximately 2 inches to approximately 4 inches from therespective first and second outer edges 145 a, 145 b of the electricalconnection 144.

Although the cradle 138 is shaped and dimensioned for receiving andsecuring the video system 112 to the ceiling of the automobile, thoseskilled in the art will certainly appreciate similar cradles may beprovided at other locations permitting use of the video system 112 atother remote locations.

With this in mind, and with reference to U.S. patent application Ser.No. 11/453,264, which is incorporated herein by reference, variouscradles may be mounted within an automobile for receiving video systemsm a manner permitting viewing from different locations within theautomobile and multiple monitor systems may be implemented.

In addition to the electrical connections provided on the cradle 138,and as was discussed above, the cradle 138 also includes a variousfastening apertures 176 a, 176 b, 180 a, 180 b adapted for selectiveengagement with the attachment members 170 a, 170 b, 178 a, 178 b ofvideo system 112.

The installation of the cradle 138 is intended to provide for anaesthetically pleasing appearance and the ceiling docking port 198 is,therefore, provided with a face plate 192 which substantially alignswith and is, therefore, flush with the headliner 194 of the automobile111. With this in mind, the following disclosure applies to bothembodiments of the video system presented above, although only the firstembodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 is referenced herein. Aesthetics arefurther enhanced by the provision of a cover member as disclosed withreference to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/453,264, which isincorporated herein by reference, which may be selectively placed overthe ceiling docking port 198 when it is not in use.

The aesthetically pleasing nature of the present embodiment is furtherenhanced by the provision of a “free floating” video system 112. Moreparticularly, and as discussed above when describing the variousembodiments of the present video system 112, the video housing 118 withthe video monitor 116 and video source 120 housed therein depends fromthe base 164 which is then mounted to the recessed cradle 138 formedwithin the ceiling of the automobile. As such, the video system 112depends from the ceiling integrated cradle 138 without the need for asurrounding support structure, allowing for the provision of aself-sufficient video system 112. More particularly, when the videosystem 112 is rotated to its storage position, it is substantiallyparallel and adjacent the headliner 194 with no support structuresurrounding the unattached outer perimeter, that is, the free side edges119 a-c to which the base 164 is not attached, of the video housing 118.This improves the aesthetics of the video system 112 and does notrequire that a substantial portion of the headliner 194 be covered orcut away to accommodate the installation thereof.

Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the “free floating” video system 312 ofthe present invention is further enhanced by providing selectivelyattachable profile members 314 as disclosed with reference to U.S.patent application Ser. No. 11/453,264, which is incorporated herein byreference

In addition to the aesthetically pleasing nature of a “free floating”video system, the fact that no support structure surrounds the videosystem allows for the ready replacement of the video system with othervideo systems 512 a, 512 b, 512 c of differing sizes and shapes (seeFIG. 12). As such, a driver may choose to use various different videosystems of different sizes depending upon the needs of the driver.Similarly, a dealer or installer can sell the same system at differentprices depending upon the size of the monitor requited by the customer.

As a user replaces the present video system 512 with a larger videosystem, it might be found that the larger video system 512 blocks thedriver's view as he or she looks through the rearview mirror 502 of theautomobile 511. With this in mind, the video system 512 is provided witha rearwardly facing video camera as disclosed with reference to U.S.patent application Ser. No. 11/453,264, which is incorporated herein byreference.

The cables 132 extend through the ceiling 113 and the cradle 138. Thesecables 132 ultimately link audio, video and power to the cradle 138 andvideo system 112. More specifically, the cradle 138 and video system 112are electrically connected to the remainder of the automobile 111 viaelectrical communication lines in a manner known to those skilled in theart.

Specific wiring arrangements and linking of various video systems withinan automobile in accordance with preferred embodiments of the presentinvention are disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/920,425,entitled “AUTOMOBILE ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM”, filed Aug. 18, 2004, whichis incorporated herein by reference, U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/895,111, entitled “AUTOMOBILE ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM”, filed Jul. 21,2004, which is incorporated herein by reference, U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 10/895,110, entitled “AUTOMOBILE ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM LINKINGMULTIPLE VIDEO SYSTEM FOR COORDINATED SHARING OF VIDEO CONTENT”, filedJul. 21, 2004, which is incorporated herein by reference, U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/895,086, entitled “HOUSING FOR AN AUTOMOBILEENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM”, filed Jul. 21, 2004, which is incorporated hereinby reference, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/895,099, entitled“INSTALLATION APPARATUS FOR AN AUTOMOBILE ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM”, filedJul. 21, 2004, which is incorporated herein by reference, U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/920,431, entitled “AUTOMOBILE ENTERTAINMENTSYSTEM”, filed Aug. 18, 2004, which is incorporated herein by reference,and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/920,430, entitled “AUTOMOBILEENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM”, filed Aug. 18, 2004, which is incorporated hereinby reference.

The present video system 112 is provided with the ability to offer avariety of functionalities. These functionalities may be hardwired orprogrammed within the video system 112 or the functionalities may beadded in a modular manner via an expansion slot 140 provided within thevideo system 112. Contemplated functionalities include, but are notlimited to satellite radio (for example, Serius, XM), Pictel phone,satellite television (for example, DirecTV), GPS guidance systems, quickrelease battery packs, memory cards, wireless internet access (forexample, Wi-Fi), Bluetooth, digital video recorders, digital videoreception and recording, digital video inputs, video conferencing,cellular digital, cellular digital with a camera, USB capabilities, Bluesphere, Blu-ray technology, hot swap hard drive, satellite video importcard, wireless video import card, supplemental hard drive, flash memoryaccessibility, wireless download capabilities, PCICM slots, etc.

As the present video system 112 is designed for use at a variety oflocations and potentially at locations remote from a cradle, the videosystem 112 is provided with a battery 220. The battery 220 is preferablya rechargeable battery and, as such, will be regularly recharged whenthe video system 112 is mounted within the cradle 138 and coupled to thepower supply running therethrough.

As shown best with reference to the video system 112 as shown in FIG.13, enhanced usage is further provided by the inclusion of USB ports,flash memory slots, cellular card slots, IR transmitters, RCA ports,power buttons or other a/v input/outputs, formed within the videohousing 118 of the video system 112 and contained behind cover 118 a,118 b which may be selectively opened to reveal the ports and slots. Theinclusion of these ports allows for ready attachment of the presentvideo system to other remote a/v sources (for example, game consoles,portable digital music players, etc.). It is also contemplated suchports, slots and other accessories may be integrated with the cradle.

In addition, a broadcast television receiver and antenna may beintegrated with the video monitor as discussed in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/177,405, which is incorporated herein byreference.

Control of the video system 112, including the video monitor 116, DVDplayer 120, hard drive 123 and other components of the video system 112,is facilitated by the provision of control buttons along the outersurface of the video system 112. In accordance with a preferredembodiment of the present invention, the control buttons take the formof a multifunction controller 160 permitting movement of a cursor shownupon various interfaces displayed upon the video in a well known manner.In addition, conventional control buttons 162 may also be provided forcontrol of traditional functions. In addition to the provision of manualcontrol buttons 162, the video system 112 may further include a remotecontrol (not shown) such that an individual need not actually touch thevideo system 112 to control the video system 112.

In view of the wide range of functionalities offered in accordance withthe present invention, the video monitor may be supplemented with theuse of Sharp's dual screen monitor technology. In this way, one may viewone video content when looking at the monitor from one angle and viewanother video content when viewing the video monitor from another angle.Sharp's dual screen technology provides for the simultaneously displayof different information and image content in right and left views in asingle unit by directionally controlling the viewing angle of the LCD.This feature makes it possible to provide information and contenttailored to specific users depending on the angle at which they view thescreen. Using a number of technologies, such as a parallax barriersuperimposed on an ordinary TFT LCD, the LCD sends the light from thebacklight into right and left directions, making it possible to showdifferent information and visual content on the same screen at the sametime depending on the viewing angle. Controlling the viewing angle inthis way allows the information or visual content to be tailored tomultiple users viewing the same screen. For example, one user can viewthe display as a PC screen for browsing the Internet or for editingvideo shot using a digital camera (IT while at the same time anotheruser watches video content such as a movie or a TV broadcast (A/V).

While the preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it willbe understood that there is no intent to limit the invention by suchdisclosure, but rather, is intended to cover all modifications andalternate constructions falling within the spirit and scope of theinvention as defined in the appended claims.

1. A video system for selective mounting within a cradle secured to aceiling of an automobile, comprising: a video housing in which a videomonitor and a video source are mounted; a base secured to the videohousing in a manner that permits rotation of the video housing, thevideo housing includes a mounting bracket and the base includes amounting bracket for use in pivotally coupling the video housing to thebase; a motorized first hinge connecting the base to the video housingfor facilitating pivotal movement between the video housing and the basebetween a use position and a storage position, the first hinge includesa pivot pin having a first end and a second end and extends between, andis coupled to, the mounting bracket of the video housing and themounting bracket of the base, the second end of the pivot pin is fixedlycoupled to the mounting bracket of the base, wherein the second end ofthe pivot pin is fixedly coupled to the mounting bracket of the base viaa break-away clutch assembly; and a drive motor assembly is mounted tothe video housing, the drive motor assembly includes a drive shafthaving a distal end, the distal end of the drive shaft is secured to adistal tip at the first end of the pivot pin permitting rotationalmotion to be imparted by the drive motor assembly to be transferred tothe video housing.
 2. The video system according to claim 1, wherein thebreak-away clutch assembly includes a base clutch member fixedlyconnected to the mounting bracket of the base and a monitor clutchmember fixedly connected to the pivot pin and the drive shaft of themotor.
 3. The video system according to claim 2, wherein the base clutchmember is fixedly connected to the mounting bracket of the base by aprojection that seats within an aperture formed in the mounting bracket,such that when the projection is seated with the aperture the baseclutch member is prevented from rotation relative to the mountingbracket and the base.
 4. The video system according to claim 2, whereinthe base clutch member also includes a circular bearing aperture shapedand dimensioned for the passage of the pivot pin therethrough in amanner allowing for free rotation of the pivot pin relative thereto. 5.The video system according to claim 2, wherein the monitor clutchmember, which is selectively, fixedly connected to the base clutchmember, includes an aperture shaped and dimensioned for passage of thepivot pin therethrough in a manner which locks the monitor clutch memberto the pivot pin for rotation therewith.
 6. The video system accordingto claim 1, wherein the drive motor assembly includes a housing in whicha motor is supported for moving the video housing relative to the base,the motor includes the drive shaft.
 7. The video system according toclaim 2, further comprising a spring, wherein a force applied by thespring to an outer surface of the monitor clutch member forces a facingsurface of the monitor clutch member into engagement with a facingsurface of the base clutch member.
 8. The video system according toclaim 1, further comprising: first and second projecting attachmentmembers disposed on the base and configured to engage first and secondapertures formed in the cradle, respectively; and first and secondsafety buttons disposed on the base and configured to disengage thefirst and second projecting attachment members from the first and secondapertures formed in the cradle, respectively.
 9. A video system forselective mounting within a cradle secured to a ceiling of anautomobile, comprising: a video housing in which a video monitor and avideo source are mounted; a base secured to the video housing in amanner that permits rotation of the video housing, the video housingincludes a mounting bracket and the base includes a mounting bracket foruse in pivotally coupling the video housing to the base; a motorizedfirst hinge connecting the base to the video housing for facilitatingpivotal movement between the video housing and the base between a useposition and a storage position, the first hinge includes a pivot pinhaving a first end and a second end and extends between, and is coupledto, the mounting bracket of the video housing and the mounting bracketof the base, the second end of the pivot pin is fixedly coupled to themounting bracket of the base; and a drive motor assembly is mounted tothe video housing, the drive motor assembly includes a drive shafthaving a distal end, the distal end of the drive shaft is secureddirectly to a distal tip at the first end of the pivot pin permittingrotational motion to be imparted by the drive motor assembly to betransferred to the video housing.
 10. The video system according toclaim 9, wherein the drive motor assembly includes a housing in which amotor is supported for moving the video housing relative to the base,the motor includes the drive shaft.
 11. The video system according toclaim 10, wherein the pivot pin is fixedly coupled to the mountingbracket of the base via a break-away clutch assembly.
 12. The videosystem according to claim 11, wherein the break-away clutch assemblyincludes a base clutch member fixedly connected to the mounting bracketof the base and a monitor clutch member fixedly connected to the pivotpin and the drive shaft of the motor.
 13. The video system according toclaim 12, wherein the base clutch member is fixedly connected to themounting bracket of the base by a projection that seats within anaperture formed in the mounting bracket, such that when the projectionis seated with the aperture the base clutch member is prevented fromrotation relative to the mounting bracket and the base.
 14. The videosystem according to claim 12, wherein the base clutch member alsoincludes a circular bearing aperture shaped and dimensioned for thepassage of the pivot pin therethrough in a manner allowing for freerotation of the pivot pin relative thereto.
 15. The video systemaccording to claim 12, wherein the monitor clutch member, which isselectively, fixedly connected to the base clutch member, includes anaperture shaped and dimensioned for passage of the pivot pintherethrough in a manner which locks the monitor clutch member to thepivot pin for rotation therewith.
 16. The video system according toclaim 12, further comprising a spring, wherein a force applied by thespring to an outer surface of the monitor clutch member forces a facingsurface of the monitor clutch member into engagement with a facingsurface of the base clutch member.
 17. The video system according toclaim 9, further comprising: first and second projecting attachmentmembers disposed on the base and configured to engage first and secondapertures formed in the cradle, respectively; and first and secondsafety buttons disposed on the base and configured to disengage thefirst and second projecting attachment members from the first and secondapertures formed in the cradle, respectively.